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Search Parties: Ghosts, U.F.O.'s and Nessie

Published: April 22, 2012

BIGFOOT hunters aren't the only ones out there searching for the unknown. Here are a few other ''hunts'' that travelers can join.

The Atlantic Paranormal Society (413-478-3642; idealeventmanage.com). Perhaps the ghosting equivalent of the Bigfoot organization, this group organizes excursions to paranormal hot spots (its founders, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, are regulars on the Syfy series ''Ghost Hunters''). On April 28, the group heads to the Menard House in Galveston, Tex. $150, reservations recommended.

The New Jersey Ghost Hunters Society (njghs.net). A kind of modern-day ghost-busting squad, this group trains newcomers in ''the basic protocols for paranormal investigating.'' In the spring and summer, the organization leads ghost hunts through cemeteries in New York and New Jersey. $25 for a lifetime membership (new investigators must complete at least two cemetery training hunts with a team leader before being considered for a private team).

U.F.O. Skywatch (928-300-2788; tomdongo.com). Tom Dongo, a celebrated U.F.O. researcher (he's written eight books on the topic), offers a six-hour ''U.F.O. Skywatch'' tour, which unfolds in ''a remote location that is well known for paranormal sightings'' near Sedona, Ariz. $100, two-person minimum, reservations by special arrangement.

Loch Ness Day Tour (44-1-31-557-9393; www.haggisadventures.com). Nessie is one of history's more elusive creatures, but this day tour through Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands includes an optional monster-hunting jaunt aboard a boat equipped with sonar and underwater imaging systems. From $69.

PHOTO: Boating expeditions are available on Loch Ness in Scotland for those who hope to get a glimpse of Nessie. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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